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Cable Lock Guide

Cable Lock Guide

Overview

For use in low to medium crime areas

Cable locks are a lightweight, flexible deterrent while you nip to the shops, or relax in the café. These affordable locks are best used in rural and low crime areas to make thieves think twice about lifting your bike. They’re not for locking your bike in high crime areas or for overnight storage.

Many cyclists use cable locks as a secondary locking system to secure components like the front wheel or saddle. A common setup is a D-lock around the bike frame and rear wheels then a cable lock to secure the front wheel to the frame. A cable lock is also a lightweight option for securing your bike to your car bike rack.

Construction

Cable Material

The cable itself is usually made from twisted steel. It’s a lightweight and sturdy material for its size, making it a good choice for portable security. More premium locks use high tensile hardened steel which is less flexible but stronger.

Some brands will also use a layer of steel rollers or toughened steel shells covering the steel cable. This will reduce flexibility and add weight, but they’ll be much harder to cut through.

Cable Diameter

Cables will vary from lock to lock. They can be as thin as 3mm, for a super portable and lightweight design. The sturdiest cables can be 20mm thick. The thicker the cable, the tougher it will be to cut.

Cable Length

Cable locks can range from under 1 metre up to 2 metres. The length you chose should depend on how and where you’re likely to be securing your bike.

If you’re fixing your bike to a bike rack, then a length under 1 metre will be OK. If you are locking your bike to an obscure object, or you’re locking multiple bikes together, then you’ll want a cable between 1.5 metres and 2 metres.

Locking Mechanism

Key Lock

Keyed locks usually come with two or three spare keys. This is great in case you lose a key, as you will always have a spare.

Some brands like Kryptonite offer a KeySafe programme where they will ship spares to you once you have registered your bike lock.

Combination Lock

Instead of keys, there is usually a 4-digit combination to open the lock, meaning there are 9,999 different possible combinations.

A combination lock is a great choice for those who are forgetful or simply don’t want to carry around extra keys.

Weight

These bike locks are the lightest you can get. They’re much lighter than a chain lock and are lighter than most mini D-locks. The heavier the lock is, the thicker the steel is used within, and the more secure it will be. Cables can range from under 500g up to 1.5kg.

Frame Protection

Most cable locks will come with some form of covering such as canvas or vinyl coating to help protect your frame from scratches and damage.

Delivery & Guarantee

Christmas Delivery

We will try our very best to get your products delivered to you before Christmas, but due to Santa's overspill into our delivery services, we would like to make you aware that while we are making every effort to deliver your order to you in time for Christmas, there may be a potential risk of delay.

The last date to order a bike that is available for Christmas delivery is 5pm on Tuesday 18th December. For all other items the last date to order items that are available for Christmas delivery is 12pm on Wednesday 19th December.

You can easily spot which items are guaranteed for Christmas delivery with theicon. Choose your size and colour to see if the item qualifies for Christmas delivery.

UK Delivery Information

We are committed to offering fast and free delivery, whether you're ordering bikes, accessories or clothing. Our standard delivery service is FREE to mainland UK, regardless of the size and on all orders over £20.

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